Tottenham star Dominic Solanke sends clear five-word injury message before Aston Villa clash

Dominic Solanke has been plagued by an ankle issue since pre-season, with surgery ultimately deemed necessary to fix the problem. After missing almost all of Spurs' friendlies, the forward made a number of cameos in competitive action before being ruled out of facing his former club Bournemouth in late August.

He has not featured since the 2-0 win over Manchester City nearly eight weeks ago. When asked about Solanke's progress, Frank offered hopeful updates, but that ended last month when arguably the worst-case scenario was confirmed.

"Dom we know got that ankle issue that's been bothering him for a little while," he said. "Decided to have minor surgery. Small procedure. More news about time frame after the international break."

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That date has now arrived, with Frank expected to provide a more accurate return timeline in his press conference later today. Richarlison and Mathys Tel have shared striker duties in his absence, with the latter scoring his first goal of the season in the 2-1 win over Leeds United.

Summer signing Randal Kolo Muani has missed a similar amount of action as Solanke, but he was able to play 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly last week.

Though all three aforementioned players can and have played up top, Solanke is arguably Spurs' best option, and therefore, likely supporters are eager for him to return. The 28-year-old has since shed some light on his recovery in an update to social media on Thursday.

Alongside an Instagram post that includes several very different images, he said: "Positivity through the dark times." Solanke is likely referring to his injury, but it is certainly good to see that he is not allowing his mood to be impacted too much.

He has also been keeping his mind occupied over the last few months with pictures showing him in the United States, working at Hotspur Way and at a Coldplay concert alongside James Maddison. The latter is also currently absent after tearing his ACL during pre-season.

Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin and Kota Takai have also missed large chunks with injuries, while Ben Davies and Yves Bissouma have handed Frank fresh fitness worries before Sunday's Premier League clash against Aston Villa.

The former limped off in Wales' defeat to Belgium, while Bissouma was stretchered off with what looked to be a serious ankle injury just moments after coming on for Mali. Frank is expected to provide updates on the duo and Solanke at his press conference later today.